Communicating Math Effectively and Thinking Beyond an Answer

In this first math pedagogy, I am focusing on the ability to communicate math effectively amongst peers, and being able to continue thinking about a problem beyond just getting an answer, to what that answer may means for us. In the activity provided, students were asked to complete a set of systems of equations in one of three ways. They were then asked to list the pros and cons of the approach that they chose and be able to explain their reasoning to the class. This activity will give students opportunities to see that there is more than one ‘correct’ answer, and that being able to explain and understand their thinking is more important than regurgitating an answer that they saw.

As a teacher, this activity helps to show me the different ways that my students think about math, and may help me teach to them better if I can understand the ways that they interpret different methods. It also encourages students to work together without the pressure of having to be right. Since the assignment is based on the explanations and communication, the answer is only briefly discussed and there is little pressure on that aspect.